When it's time to sell an animal, ranchers are paid by its weight. For this reason, the owners of livestock farms and ranches rely on accurate livestock scales which are easily to transported from one place to another, so the cattle can be weighed in familiar surroundings. In the not too distant past, cattle were usually loaded in a truck and taken to the nearest weighing station for weighing. This had its disadvantages. As most livestock are panicky creatures, the would get frightened during the round up and process of being loaded on the truck. Moving to the weighing station and being weighed in its wholly unfamiliar environment resulted in a lot of lost weight through defecation and excessive urination. As much as 5% to 8% of the animal's weight was lost, resulting in an economic loss for the grower. An unnecessary loss, as you will now see.

Today there are plenty of livestock scales the rancher can purchase, which can be laid out on any terrain. These livestock scales are easy to set up and can be arranged so that many animals can be weighed at a time, which ultimately shortens the weighing process. It is much less stressful for rancher and cattle. Livestock scales can be purchases for both small and large animals.

Multi-purpose livestock scales for small animals and grain

Very low profile- this scale is close to the ground - 2.5" high - to make it easy to get the animal to walk onto it.

Can be put under an alleyway for weighing hogs

Some people build a cage to go around the platform. Hog crate scales are built this way.

Large animal livestock scale system weigh bars

Weigh bars are placed under a chute, alley or platform

Waterproof - wash down any animal while the cattle scale is under the alley without damage

Leveling feet (these are necessary to level the scale on an uneven surface) - note that the scales are heavy and will sink into the earth in the event of rain. Always take the time to place your weigh bars on either wood or concrete.

You can connect the weigh bars directly to a squeeze chute by the mounting tabs.

Made to weigh an animal that is moving. This is a big advantage, a time saver as well because the animal does not need to come to a complete stop to get a correct weight.

Things to look for when shopping for a livestock scale

The scale should work on uneven floors or the uneven ground. Look for a scale with adjustable foot pads

The scales should have tread or a rubber mat that will help prevent slips and falls for nervous animals

Overload capacity - the scale should be able to withstand a much higher load than the weighing capacity without causing damage to the scale.

The scale should work on uneven floors or uneven ground. Always make sure any scale you are considering has adjustable foot pads

The scales also need a tread or a rubber mat that will help prevent slips and falls for nervous animals, allowing them to feel more sure footed.

Overload capacity - the scale should be able to withstand a much higher load than the weighing capacity without causing damage to the scale.

Battery operated - this is an advantage because it allows you to set the scale up just about anywhere. No more worries about whether you can locate a power outlet.

Economical - look for a livestock scale that incurs no installation costs and no moving parts that require maintenance or adjustment. This will save time and money.

Ramped ends on the platform - animals can walk on and off without trouble, with no need for ramps or recessed floors.

In the livestock industry, ranchers and other producers must always consider weight, because that is how their animals are sold. Heavier animals bring in more money, plain and simple. For this reason, ranchers have to spend a significant amount of time attempting to ensure their animals will weigh as much as possible when they go to market. Monitoring livestock weight from birth through weaning, yearling and gains is critical to maximizing profits. It allows the cattle to be compared to one another and as a group. To be able to really analyze and make effective use of this information (which is necessary to make correct decisions about feeding cattle), a rancher requires accurate, consistent weight data measurements using the right livestock scales and equipment. So consider your needs most carefully before making a purchase.

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